Ramallah: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has condemned the visit by Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson to the illegal Israeli colony of Ariel, which is built on privately owned Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. The ministry stated that the visit constitutes a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the ministry issued a strong denunciation of Johnson's statements made during the visit, where he advocated for the annexation of the West Bank. The ministry warned that such declarations could exacerbate settler-colonial violence and lead to further land seizures, challenging ongoing efforts by Arab nations and the United States aimed at reducing aggression and achieving de-escalation.
The ministry highlighted that both the visit and the statements made by Johnson are in direct contradiction to the U.S.'s publicly stated position on colonial activities and settler-colonial violence. It expressed concern that such actions could undermine the United States' credibility as a neutral mediator in the peace process and weaken prospects for its revival.
Furthermore, the ministry reiterated that all forms of colonialism are considered illegal and illegitimate, posing significant obstacles to the implementation of a two-state solution and the pursuit of a just and comprehensive peace. It urged the U.S. administration to adopt a clear stance against actions that violate international law and hinder de-escalation efforts.
